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Exhibition opening of the painting "The Blowing Up of the Arkadi Monastery" by Ivan Aivazovsky at the Holy Monastery of Arkaditranslated

September 4, 2026 · 1 min read

On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 2, 2026, the opening of the exhibition of the emblematic painting of the great Russian artist Ivan Aivazovsky entitled "The Blowing Up of the Monastery of Arkadi", which is kept in the Nafplio Paratima of the National Gallery - Alexander Soutsou Museum, took place in the historic Holy Patriarchal and Holy Cross Monastery of Arkadi. The exhibition of this important work in the historical site of Arkadius itself is a particularly important cultural event, as the famous painting is presented for the first time in the physical and real space that inspired its historical theme.

The event, which was coordinated by Panosiol. Archimandrite Theologos Papalevyzakis, Abbot-adviser of the Holy Monastery of Arkadiou, was honored with their presence by the prerogatives of the authorities of Rethymno and the security forces, representatives of the University and people of the spirit and culture.

The main speaker of the event was Mrs. Lambrini Karakourtis-Orfanopoulou, art historian, curator and manager of the Nafplio Branch of the National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum, who referred to the importance and artistic value...

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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Luke Campbell

I always liked that painting but never knew it was finally back at Arkadi after all these years. Good to see the abbot and the lady from the Nauplion gallery making it happen. Must have been something to stand in the actual monastery and look at the explosion scene right there.

Franziska Hoffmann

Nice to read that the Aivazovsky is finally hanging exactly where the explosion took place. Archimandrite Theologos and Mrs. Karakourti-Orfanopoulou organized it well. I would like to see the brushstroke of the flames with my own eyes.

Sebastian Hoffmann

It's nice that you mention Archimandrite Theologos and Mrs. Karakourti-Orfanopoulou, they both really put a lot of work into it. I was in Arkadi last year and looked closely at the site of the explosion - the brushstroke of the flames must have been much more dramatic there. Are you planning on making a special trip?

Georg Weber

Nice that you mention the flame brushwork - I saw the Aivazovsky in Nauplion two years ago and was surprised at how vibrant the reds and oranges are. Archimandrite Theologos really found a good place for it. Have you ever been to the monastery choir in Arkadi?

Anna Weber

Yes, Archimandrite Theologos really organized everything well. I was also in Arkadi two years ago and saw the place where the powder room was - the smoke in the picture becomes even more impressive. Are you going there again this time?

Yes, the brush strokes of the flames certainly look more intense there than in the photo. I visited the exact same spot while hiking near Arkadi last year and imagined Aivazovsky capturing the chaos. Have you ever been there, Franziska?

Theresa Wagner

Yes, the flames in the picture are really impressively vibrant, the red glows almost like real fire. Archimandrite Theologos chose the perfect place for it, right in the monastery. I haven't sung in the Arkadi choir yet, but I would like to go with the local choir and see what it feels like there. Have you been to Nauplion often?